Rescue in "Extremely Dangers Conditions"
MIAMI BEACH, FLA. – Body camera video captured the heroic moments when four Miami Beach Police officers came to the rescue of two swimmers in distress, with one of the officers becoming caught in a rip current.
The Rescue
The footage shows Officer Christopher Bess plunging into the rough waters off 16th Street at 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday, with tall waves that even rescue boats in the distance struggled to navigate. The winds were too high for drones to fly, and the conditions were deemed "extremely dangerous" by Officer Bess.
The Struggle
As the officers entered the water, people on the shore were frantic with worry. Minutes later, however, the swimmers were pulled out one after another, thanks to the bravery of the officers.
A Hero’s Struggle
What was not captured on video, according to Officer Bess, is one of the officers being swept away by a rip current. "One of our officers was carried about 100 yards from shore due to the rip current," he said. "Our vessel tried to save him, but the waves were a little bit too strong for the vessel, and the vessel almost capsized."
A Miami Beach firefighter helped pull out the officer who was swept by the rip current, and he was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was in good spirits and said he would do it again if need be.
Multiple Rescues on Tuesday Night
This was not the only beach rescue on Tuesday night. Dozens of officers and a helicopter rushed to the area of 50th Street and Collins Avenue, where two teenagers nearly drowned. The strong winds and waves have been a recipe for danger during spring break, prompting police to issue a warning.
The Warning
"If you’re enjoying our beach, do so during the day, where visibility is a bit better than at night, but also review the advisories," said Officer Bess.
Conclusion
The bravery and quick thinking of the Miami Beach Police officers involved in this rescue are a testament to their dedication to keeping the public safe. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being aware of the conditions at the beach, especially during spring break.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened during the rescue?
- Two swimmers were in distress off 16th Street, and four Miami Beach Police officers entered the water to rescue them.
- What were the conditions like during the rescue?
- The conditions were "extremely dangerous," with tall waves and strong winds that made it difficult for rescue boats to reach the swimmers.
- What happened to one of the officers?
- One of the officers was swept away by a rip current and was pulled out by a Miami Beach firefighter, then transported to the hospital.
